SELECTED PROJECTS

Escarus works to transform the sustainability approach successfully implemented by TSKB since the early 2000s into a culture, while ensuring that this accumulated know-how contributes to the sustainable development in Türkiye’s economy. Escarus operates as a specialized consultancy firm that aspires to offer optimal solutions for clients’ needs through collaboration with leading subject- matter experts and companies.

Having successfully implemented numerous national and international projects for international organizations, government agencies, private sector entities and civil society organizations, Escarus is proud to make a difference by formulating solutions tailored to the specific needs of each sector, sub-sector, area and entity – always shaped by specific needs, adapted accordingly, and redesigned when necessary to respond to changing requirements.

Experience in Managing Large-Scale Projects

Since 2011, Escarus has completed numerous large- scale strategic projects, offered technical consultancy, and delivered training to thousands of employees across various sectors.

Escarus operates not only in Türkiye but also across nearby geographies, and has successfully delivered a wide range of projects in ten countries, making noteworthy progress in exporting services.

Experience in Public and Private Sector Projects

Escarus boasts a strong track record in Türkiye and international markets on account of projects which it has delivered through consulting activities to clients in public and private sectors. As a subsidiary of a development bank, Escarus has comprehensive knowledge of local needs across diverse sectors, and has delivered numerous projects since its establishment in 2011.

Responsible® Program Phase 1 Consultancy

The Responsible® Program, launched by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, aims to support exporting companies in their European Green Deal alignment processes and strengthen their integration into global value chains. The program seeks to elevate the sustainability performance of companies operating in Türkiye to international standards.

Within the scope of this strategic program, Escarus has been authorized by the Ministry of Trade as an accredited Phase 1 consultancy provider, offering consultancy services to companies for assessing their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) maturity levels and guiding their strategic development processes.

Under Responsible® Program Phase 1, services include conducting current situation analyses, evaluating companies’ ESG maturity levels, and developing roadmaps to enhance alignment with the European Green Deal. Through this process, the existing capabilities of companies are analyzed and improvement areas that can provide international competitive advantage are identified.

The roadmaps and project cards meticulously developed during Phase 1 form the foundation for the Phase 2 implementation and investment processes, which are supported by the financial incentives of the Ministry of Trade. The inclusion of Phase 2 activities, designed as a continuation of Phase 1, within the support scheme provides companies with a strategic opportunity to complete their sustainability-driven transformation journey end-to-end.

In 2025, Escarus has provided Phase 1 consultancy services to numerous organizations across different sectors, and continues to deliver consultancy services for new projects.

Sürdürülebilirlik Yönetim Sistemi

The “Sustainability Management System” project was carried out by Escarus in order to ensure the integration of sustainability practices within QNB Finansbank, to transform this into a business model, and to examine sustainability performance across operational procedures. An environmental and social risk model was developed to examine the Bank’s lending operations, conduct environmental and social risk assessments for financed projects, and implement responsible investment practices.

Actions and outcomes:

• Data flows were identified for the Bank’s environmental and social key performance indicators.
• An evaluation was conducted, and recommendations were offered for the Bank’s potential participation in national and international initiatives and associations that would increase its visibility and facilitate its active involvement in sustainability endeavors.
• The organizational chart was examined to produce recommendations outlining the necessary governance structure, procedures, roles, and responsibilities for sustainability practices.
• In line with the Bank’s corporate strategy and the international standards, a robust methodology was developed for environmental and social risk assessment in lending processes.

Environmental and Social Due Diligence Advisory

Under the project-based Framework Agreement carried out with Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O. since 2020, Escarus supports the Bank in strengthening its environmental and social due diligence and risk assessment capacity for investment loan applications above a certain threshold. Projects financed within the scope of World Bank loans are reviewed simultaneously with the Bank in line with its internal Environmental and Social Risk Assessment Tool, with the aim of ensuring consistent risk classification, enhancing decision-making processes, and increasing alignment with international good practices.

Actions and outcomes:

• Investment loan application files are reviewed in parallel with the Bank through a simultaneous assessment approach.
• Environmental and social risks are identified for projects and clients, and risk classification is conducted accordingly.
• The need for site visits is determined based on the risk category and the stage of project development.
• A project-specific Environmental and Social Due Diligence Form and Environmental and Social Action Plan are prepared.
• Where necessary, site visits are conducted to observe operations on-site, verify environmental and social practices, and assess occupational health and safety conditions.
• A Project Due Diligence Report, including findings, potential risks, and recommended actions, is prepared and shared with the Bank.
• Through the simultaneous assessment process, contributions are made to strengthening the Bank’s institutional capacity in environmental and social risk management.

Responsible Supply Chain Management Advisory

Escarus provided consultancy services to Tiryaki Agro to develop a Group-level Responsible Supply Chain Management Implementation Program covering all subsidiaries and operations of the company. Within this framework, global sustainability developments and stakeholder expectations were analyzed, and a holistic management system aligned with the institution’s procurement dynamics and centered on environmental and social criteria was designed.

Actions and outcomes:

• During a stakeholder meeting with the participation of customers, suppliers, and company employees, local and global sustainability developments were evaluated, and key improvement areas were identified.
• The institution’s existing procurement and sales dynamics were analyzed from a responsible supply chain perspective, and areas for operational improvement as well as strategic focus points were identified.
• To support responsible supply management, action plans, supplier–customer surveys, information forms, and sustainability awareness training materials for suppliers were developed.
• Responsible Supply Policy and Responsible Supply Chain Management Procedure documents to be implemented at the group level were prepared, and training sessions were delivered to relevant personnel to support the implementation of the updated documentation.

BIST Sustainability Index Strategy Consultancy

Escarus provided advisory services to HEKTAŞ Ticaret Türk A.Ş. in preparation for the Borsa İstanbul (BIST) Sustainability Index assessment process. Within the scope of the project, system entries were carried out in line with the Refinitiv methodology to evaluate HEKTAŞ’s sustainability performance, and action plans were developed to analyze and improve the current score.

The engagement aimed to ensure the effective management of HEKTAŞ’s assessment process for inclusion in the BIST Sustainability Index, enhance data quality, and enable transparent reporting of sustainability performance.

Actions and outcomes:

• Responses to assessment questions were prepared in collaboration with the HEKTAŞ Project Team responsible for reporting on the Refinitiv platform.
• System entries were completed via the Refinitiv Contributor Tool, taking into account the relevant quarter for HEKTAŞ’s index inclusion.
• Based on the current state analysis, data sets aligned with the BIST Sustainability Index methodology were developed, and regular system entries were maintained.
• Guidance was provided regarding the data entered into the system, and the submission process was coordinated.
• Quarterly Progress and Status Reports were prepared to assess score development and identify areas for improvement.
• Action recommendations were developed to strengthen the current score.

Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Advisory

Escarus provided consultancy services to Sarbak Metal for conducting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and managing the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification processes for three different products. In accordance with ISO 14025 and ISO 14040/44 standards, the environmental impacts of the Products -from raw material sourcing to the factory gate- were analyzed using scientific methodologies based on the cradle-to-gate approach.

Actions and outcomes:

• Data related to the products’ life cycle stages -including energy, water, and raw material consumption, emissions, and waste management- were scientifically modeled using OpenLCA software and internationally recognized databases.
• In full compliance with the relevant Product Category Rules (PCR) for the defined product categories, a detailed EPD Background Report and the official EPD document were prepared.
• Methodological consistency was ensured throughout all stages of the study in accordance with ISO 14040/44 Life Cycle Assessment standards.
• Technical support was provided during the independent verification process and the registration of the documents on the International EPD System platform.

TSRS Reporting

The Sustainability Report of Siemens, disclosing the company’s 2024 sustainability performance in conformity with Türkiye Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) S1 & S2 and GRI standards, was prepared by Escarus by assessing Siemens’ existing data and forming a framework in line with reporting requirements.

Actions and outcomes:

• Data collection was conducted in conformity with TSRS S1 & S2 and GRI criteria.
• Interviews were held with Siemens’ officers; the existing governance structure, strategy, policies, and risk management processes relating to sustainability and climate change were reviewed, and the findings were included in the report.
• Sustainability- and climate-related metrics were specified, and their conformity with TSRS S1 & S2 and GRI standards was assessed.
• The draft organization of the report and the GRI index were prepared, where data analyses, governance processes and performance indicators formed the core elements of the report.
• At the final stage, the editorial work of the report was finished, Turkish and English versions were drafted, and the visual design were completed.

Strong and Green SMEs Project

The project was developed by Bilkent University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), funded by EBRD, and implemented by Escarus. The overall objective was to prepare SMEs for the European Green Deal (EGD) and mitigate potential negative impacts of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) through capacity-building trainings. The project consisted of two main components: market assessment and training programs. Within the project, an assessment report was prepared, including policy and legislative analysis, sectoral overview, and classifications for sectors covered by CBAM, as well as for some sectors anticipated to be impacted by CBAM.

Actions and outcomes:

• 400 SMEs received training on EGD, circular economy, and CBAM.
• Sectoral groups received training on Carbon Reduction, Efficiency Improvement, Product Modification, and Product Upgrading.
• Focused sessions were conducted with the EBRD banking team.

SPIPA II – EU Climate Dialogues: Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Türkiye

Under the SPIPA II (Support to the EU’s Bilateral Relations with Strategic Partners on Climate-Related Policies and Investment) Program, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented by GIZ, a comprehensive project was carried out with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye as the beneficiary. The project aimed to strengthen the resilience of Türkiye’s agricultural sector against climate change while promoting low-carbon development, enhanced climate adaptation capacity, and improved environmental outcomes, including water quality, soil health, and biodiversity.

Actions and outcomes:

• A baseline assessment of low-carbon and climate-resilient agricultural practices across Türkiye was conducted. Through field studies, surveys, and literature reviews, a scientific data collection methodology was developed for the publication titled “Inventory of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Türkiye.”
• The contribution of agricultural activities to greenhouse gas emissions was evaluated, and technical measures—such as innovative irrigation techniques, water management strategies, and climate-resilient seed and crop varieties—were developed to minimize sectoral risks related to climate change.
• Physical and hybrid workshops were organized with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, agricultural cooperatives, academia, and civil society organizations. Through technical concept notes and expert inputs, the project facilitated knowledge exchange and institutional capacity building among stakeholders.
• Guidance documents, technical manuals, and informational brochures were prepared for cooperatives and local actors and made available through digital platforms. Special attention was given throughout the project to encourage the participation of women farmers and to strengthen gender equality in the sector.
• Existing agricultural policies were analyzed in terms of their environmental and social impacts, and inception reports, implementation guidelines, and final project outputs were prepared, including policy improvement recommendations aligned with EU standards and Türkiye’s climate targets.

Measuring the Environmental Impacts of Transport Infrastructures in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States

Under the project implemented by the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), Escarus carried out studies to measure the environmental impacts of transport infrastructure in member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Focusing on identifying and promoting good

practices to assess such impacts, good practices and innovative approaches from both OIC member states and global initiatives were analyzed.

Actions and outcomes:

• Analytical studies were conducted, strategic objectives were defined, and reports were produced.
• Documents were developed to guide the planning and management of an effective and efficient transport system, focusing on the network aspect as one of the six cooperation areas of COMCEC.
• Reference documents were prepared for OIC member states.
• A handbook outlining the necessary steps for OIC member states was also produced.

Sustainability Advisory and Integrated Reporting

Escarus provided comprehensive sustainability advisory and reporting services to SASA Polyester Sanayi A.Ş., one of Türkiye’s leading industrial companies, as part of its 2024 sustainability program. The engagement covered both existing operations and new facilities under investment, adopting a holistic approach to sustainability management.

The scope of work focused on strengthening the sustainability management system, ensuring alignment with national and international reporting standards, managing ESG rating processes, assessing the financial impacts of climate risks, and establishing the infrastructure for compliance with carbon regulations. The project was implemented as a broad and integrated transformation program, spanning sustainability reporting, climate strategy, rating applications, and carbon mechanisms.

Actions and outcomes:

• A Sustainability Report (GRI Standards – Comprehensive option), Executive Summary, and quarterly Progress Reports were prepared, and the GRI assurance process was successfully completed.
• The CMB (Capital Markets Board of Türkiye) Sustainability Principles Compliance Report and the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Communication on Progress (CoP) were prepared and submitted to the relevant platforms.
• CDP Climate Change and Water Security disclosures were completed; data analysis, gap analysis, and benchmarking studies were conducted, and action plans were developed to improve scores.
• Gap analyses were carried out for Sustainalytics, Refinitiv, and EcoVadis ESG rating processes; policy and documentation infrastructure were strengthened, and application processes were coordinated.
• The TCFD Report, covering all SASA operations, was updated; climate-related physical and transition risks, scenario analyses, metrics, and targets were established, and integration with enterprise risk management was supported.
• Financial impact analyses were conducted under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU/Türkiye Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), assessing cost implications under different carbon pricing scenarios.
• A Sustainable Supply Chain Management Implementation Program was developed, including benchmarking studies, action plans, training programs, and documentation infrastructure.
• Preparatory work for alignment with IFRS Sustainability Standards was carried out, including a gap analysis and roadmap development.
• Strategic guidance was provided to the Sustainability Committee and working groups; support was also delivered in engagements with ESG rating agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.

Through this comprehensive engagement, the objective was to strengthen SASA’s sustainability management infrastructure, enhance its positioning in international reporting and rating processes, and increase its resilience against climate-related financial risks.

BIST Sustainability Index Strategy Consultancy

Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik collaborated with Escarus to support its goal of being included in the BIST Sustainability Index, an index comprising companies traded on Borsa Istanbul recognized for their strong corporate sustainability practices. As a result of the comprehensive consultancy process, Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik became the first company from the insurance and pension sector to be accepted in the BIST Sustainability Index.

Actions and outcomes:

• For the company, entries were meticulously recorded in the Refinitiv Contributor Tool for BIST evaluation. Informative periodic reports were drafted to detail the company’s scoring performance within the index framework, and recommendations were made to enhance the score.
• A BIST Sustainability Index Gap Analysis was conducted against international sustainability criteria, and a roadmap was prepared to address the areas for improvement.
• A comparative analysis was performed between the company’s public disclosures across various platforms and the BIST Assessment Methodology.

Sustainability in the Banking Sector: Sectoral Outlook Report

A comprehensive sectoral outlook report on sustainability was prepared by Escarus for the Banks Association of Türkiye (TBB). This comprehensive work focused on sustainability practices in, and cast light on the future of, the Turkish banking sector.

Actions and outcomes:

• A survey was conducted to examine the sustainability practices of member banks operating in the Turkish banking sector.
• Based on the survey results, the report provided insights into sustainability-oriented trends and developments in the finance and banking sector.
• Aligned with globally observed sustainability themes, the report elaborated on the current practices and future objectives of the Turkish banking sector.
• The report underscored the pivotal role of the finance and banking sector in facilitating transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving successful green transformation through investments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also outlined the sector’s responsibility in preventing the use of financial resources for activities that may harm the environment, climate, and society. Furthermore, the report highlighted collaborative endeavors aimed at deepening sustainability practices.

Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik collaborated with Escarus to support its goal of being included in the BIST Sustainability Index, an index comprising companies traded on Borsa Istanbul recognized for their strong corporate sustainability practices. As a result of the comprehensive consultancy process, Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik became the first company from the insurance and pension sector to be accepted in the BIST Sustainability Index.

Actions and outcomes:

• For the company, entries were meticulously recorded in the Refinitiv Contributor Tool for BIST evaluation. Informative periodic reports were drafted to detail the company’s scoring performance within the index framework, and recommendations were made to enhance the score.
• A BIST Sustainability Index Gap Analysis was conducted against international sustainability criteria, and a roadmap was prepared to address the areas for improvement.
• A comparative analysis was performed between the company’s public disclosures across various platforms and the BIST Assessment Methodology.

KOTON Gender Equality In Supply Chain Project

Escarus cooperated with French Development Agency (AFD) and Industrial Development Bank of Turkey (TSKB) for the project.

The main aim of the project was to promote gender equality practices throughout the supply chain of Koton (Turkish fast-moving clothing brand) and evaluation of suppliers and certification for their gender equality efforts.

The study also aimed to improve data collection and achieve the workplace gender equality. Escarus guided the companies in Koton’s supply chain to a point where people are able to access the same resources and opportunities regardless of gender.

At the end of the project, the companies in the supply chain understood how to remove the barriers for the full and equal participation of women employees in the workforce. Due to their overall gender equality score, Escarus provided them a globally valid certification.

STWI (Swedish Textile Water Institute) Project – Textile, Energy And Resource Efficiency Project

Sweden Textile Water Initiative (STWI) is a private sector network with a membership of some 30 predominately Swedish textile and leather companies. STWI projects were implemented with the aim of improving water efficiency in production processes for suppliers and sub-suppliers to STWI member Brands in production hubs in Bangladesh, China, India, Ethiopia and Turkey.

The program was structured in four components:

• Capacity building and investment support in textile factories;
• Improving industrial water governance in production countries;
• Harmonization of the STWI guidelines on resource use for the textile sector and influence of international processes; and
• Communication and outreach.

SIWI implemented the program and SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) provided almost all financial funding amounting to 49 million SEK as a Public Private Development Project.

Consultancy services for Turkey was provided by Escarus between the years 2015-2017.

During the project Escarus focused on improving environmental performance capacity of suppliers on sustainable use of water, energy and chemicals in textile and leather production processes by

• Reusing waste and by-products in production,
• Reducing pollution,
• İncreasing management and employee information capacities for wastewater treatment.

MENA Region – Development Bank- Strategic Advisory Project

Development Bank in MENA Region launched an integrated consultancy program to provide different types of advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are indispensable for national economies due to their role in economic recovery, structural change, employment creation and adaptation.

Escarus provided restructuring advisory services relevant to two phases:

• Developing Execution Plan (set of corrective actions along with the implementation framework),
• Implementing Execution Plan.

Escarus provided guidance to SMEs in;

• Optimizing sales efficiency and costs,
• Maximizing business profitability by providing the necessary support to diagnose adverse causes and implement an effective turnaround.

Iron & Steel Company – Operational And Resource Efficiency Project

Energy efficiency improvement is an important way to reduce costs and to increase predictable earnings, especially in times of high economic volatility. There are a variety of opportunities available at individual plants in iron and steel industry to reduce energy consumption in a cost effective manner.

The project can be summarized as an operational and resource efficiency project for a pioneer Turkish iron and steel company producing steel for mining, shipbuilding, railway and automotive industries.

Escarus helped the client to identify resource efficiency opportunities, turn them into economically viable projects and develop long-term investment program.

During the project, Escarus also prepared technical and economic feasibility studies. Working closely with the client’s technical staff Escarus consultants defined priority energy and resource efficiency investments within the company. Escarus focused on modernizing manufacturing operations, creating capacity for energy efficiency and offered alternative ways to use process heat.

Technical, Environmental And Social Due Diligence And Monitoring

Escarus provided lender’s side consultancy services for many of the most respected international financial institutions, including development finance banks, Exim banks, most of the international banks as well as many local banks in Turkey and abroad.

During the last 3 years Escarus provided Lender’s Engineering services to a local Exim bank for their lending in Africa. Within the project, Escarus made a detailed analysis of exported goods and services from a value-added perspective.

In addition to analysis process, Escarus provided an assessment of environmental and social risks according to IFC’s Performance Standards. Moreover, Escarus evaluated the public participation meeting notes and examined the public disclosure and feedback from the public.

Escarus also conducted site monitoring on technical progress and environmental and social applications.

Briefly Escarus services cover the lender’s advisory services, such as:

• Technical due diligence services,
• Environmental and social due diligence services,
• Professional advice on technical, cost and contractual issues,
• Monitoring of technical, environmental and social issues.

Turkey Ministry of Development – Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Project

Escarus was the lead and only consultant in the project that supports Ministry of Devlopment (MoD) on SDGs implementation and monitoring based on the findings regarding the current situation and gaps considering Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals that would be prioritized in the next (11th) National Development Plan.

Escarus developed SDGs reports which summarize the current situation and gaps based on previous development plans, priorities, needs, and resources availability. During the project Escarus;

• Reflected on national targets and indicators around prioritized local SDGs targets and indicators.
• Provided detailed technical advice on SDGs,
• Support the public authorities in consultations on SDGs,
• Technical reviewing considering the action plan and facts that took place in all SDG reports.

In the project Escarus outlined the current situation of Turkey in terms of;

• Policies and strategies,
• Relevant legislation,
• Institutional framework.

Escarus conducted many qualitative and quantitative analysis considering;

• Document and inventory surveys based on desktop review,
• Roundtable meetings, one-to-one interviews, stakeholder questionnaires,
• Review of legal framework in line with SDGs,
• SDG interlinkages.

Project outputs provided input for the 11th Development Plan of Turkey.

Scoping Study – EBRD Project – Energy Audits In Public Buildings

The main aim of the project was to conduct a feasibility study within the framework of EBRD’s investment program for increasing energy efficiency and the seismic resistance of the existing education buildings of the Turkey Ministry of National Education (MoNE).

Project tasks was conducted under 4 components

• Energy audits and seismic resilience surveys in selected schools (pilot study)
• Investment proposals and financial analyses
• Projection of results from pilot studies throughout the building stock of MoNE
• Economical analysis of investment programme by calculating financial and non-financial benefits

Energy audits and seismic resilience surveys were carried out by Escarus in 8 school buildings specifically selected to represent the MoNE’s building portfolio. Energy efficiency measures and structural retrofitting schemes were proposed considering the energy performances and deficiencies of the audited buildings.

Potential investment opportunities were proposed for MoNE’s building stock that might be covered under EBRD’s investment program using the findings of the field studies.

Both financial and non-financial potential benefits coming from energy efficiency and seismic retrofitting investments were also assessed, in terms of energy savings, CO2 emission savings, better student/teacher comfort, improved health conditions, protection from injury against any possible earthquake.

Green/Sustainable Bond Consultancya

Escarus provided an advisory services to one of the top local construction company for the first Green/Sustainable Bond Issuance in Turkey in December 2017.

Escarus prepared a second party opinion report on the company’s Green Bond Framework in reference with Green Bond Principles.

Annual Impact Reports were also submitted by Escarus. Drawing on green/sustainable bond expertise and experience, Escarus provided second party opinion and monitoring services as per the requirements of the Green Bond Principles (established by the International Capital Market Association).

During the consultancy period, the client was able to ensure it’s green bond processes, controls and procedures were credible and reliable.

Global Energy Company Of Azerbaijan – Sustainability Management System

The aim of the project was to help the client to understand its business impact on people, social life and environment, and to implement strategies to transform those impacts into positive ones. The client was initiated a Sustainability Management System project to ensure that all its activities are in compliance with the principles of sustainability, and to shape its corporate governance structure in accordance with these principles. Escarus developed sustainability strategy and policies for the client to make a new business model for its sustainability issues.

Escarus also put down the procedures and developed necessary documentation for that new business model, and consequently defined roles and responsibilities concerning procedures. In the project, Escarus established a centralized data collection and sustainable management system with an integrated perspective. Additionally, training programs were developed for both enhancing awareness among employees about sustainability and improving the capacities of departments. SDG mapping analysis and sustainability reporting were the last phases of the project also held by Escarus.

Briefly, Escarus created an integrated system which ensures consolidation of sustainability related activities of the client and its subsidiaries.

Islamic Development Bank – Value Chain Based Country Diagnostic Study for Turkey

The Bank’s new business model is based on the objective of strengthening the competitiveness of member countries in strategic industries to become comparatively advantageous in creating and integrating with value chains. A new development model emphasizing value chain based approach was piloted in Turkey by Escarus.

Throughout the project Escarus tried to find out how Turkey can integrate into global GVCs and adapt to change by global circumstances through investments in key sectors. To understand the formation of GVCs in details, Escarus undertook a comprehensive analysis of the Turkish industry by relying on a huge data set. Since the agreement requires the development of a prioritization methodology based on several criteria by considering natural, dynamic, surplus and spillover potential, several data sources were scrutinized, and analyses were conducted so as to attain internal consistency.

The following indicators capturing various industrial characteristics were estimated/calculated at the firm level to analyze industries with NACE 4-digit classification: TFP growth rate, TFP differences between large and small-sized firms, returns to scale, the share of foreign firms, the share of exporters, number of firms, firm size, relative wages, labour productivity, and capital intensity. The following indicators were used for the industries with NAICS classification: product complexity, revealed comparative advantage, the share in world import, export and concentration, export value, import value, trade balance, and global demand projections.

At the last stage, Escarus team developed five reports in a way to cover both preliminary GVC analysis and the initial mapping of the value chains in the selected sectors.

UNDP Project – Development Of Strategic Investment Plans

The main objectives of the project was to;

• Increase agricultural production and productivity and its competitivity,
• Improve local infrastructures and services for markets and marketing,
• Use land, earth, water and fauna resources in a sustainable way,
• Strengthen local agricultural institutions,
• Develop investment model based on analytical work and findings,
• Engage in creating a favorable environment for the private sector to invest in production, processing and marketing through infrastructures & incentives.

During the project Escarus;

• Analyzed the value chains of strawberry, cherry, grape, mushroom and medicinal aromatic plants within the borders of Konya and Karaman province,
• Undertook a comprehensive analysis on the private sector involved in the production of these products,
• Identified challenges faced by farmers and elaborated on the farmers’ organizations in the region,
• Created strategic investment plans for each product in the value chain, including post-harvest food safety, storage, drying, rating / separation, packaging, certification, labeling, branding, etc.,
• Evaluated several investment project proposals from a financial perspective.